Deep fried turkeys have had a bad reputation for years because most deep fryers were gas-powered and safe only for use outdoors. Enter electric deep fryers designed for use on kitchen countertops, and frying a turkey has become easier, safer—and more popular. Most electric deep fryers cost between $100 to $200.
To fry your holiday bird, choose a high smoke-point oil, such as peanut, canola or sunflower, and search the Internet or ask friends for their favorite deep fried turkey marinade. Buy a smallish turkey—eight to 10 pounds—or you’ll have to fry the turkey in parts.
Although manufacturers say their electric deep fryers are safe to use indoors, safety hazards remain whenever you cook with hot, flammable oil. Some tips to sizzle safely:
- Completely thaw your turkey before frying it. Partially frozen turkeys or watery marinates can react dangerously with the oil, causing it to bubble over and spill. A rule of thumb: Allow a bird to thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours for every five pounds before use.
- Monitor oil temperature; oil that gets too hot can combust. Buy a deep fryer with a temperature control, and keep the oil between 365 degrees and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The turkey should cook until its internal temperature is 170 degrees.
- Choose electric deep fryers with built-in safety standards such as break-away power cords that attach with a magnet and quickly detach if the cord is pulled to prevent the unit from tipping.
- Prevent oil spills by filling the unit with oil to the line indicated.
- Keep children and pets away from the fryer during and after use. Oil can remain hot for hours after you turn the fryer off. Let it cool completely before removing it.
- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby while cooking. Water will not put out a grease fire. If a fire erupts, call for help immediately.
- Wear safety goggles to protect from splatter and oven mitts when handling the lid.
Now that you are ready to you deep fry a turkey, here are the Romero Family secrets to deep frying the
perfect turkey.
Recycle your oil
- http://www.grecycle.com/
